E.P. Carrillo Pledge Prequel (second review)

Strength: 4/5

Format: Robusto

Provenance: Dominican

Length: 5"

Ring gauge: 50"

Enjoyment time: 45 / 60 mins

The E.P. Carrillo Pledge Prequel, part of the popular E.P. Carrillo Triumph Trilogy, is a cigar that has garnered significant accolades, including Cigar Aficionado's 2020 Cigar of the Year and Cigar Journal's Best Dominican Cigar of 2021. This Robusto cigar, measuring 5 inches long with a 50-ring gauge, promises an intriguing smoking experience with its medium to full-bodied blend and complex flavor profile.

From the outset, the Pledge Prequel presents itself as a premium product with its square box press and dark chocolate-colored USA Connecticut Habano wrapper. This wrapper, combined with an Ecuadorian binder and Nicaraguan fillers, creates a multinational blend that promises a rich and varied experience.

Lighting up the cigar reveals a firm draw, which slightly improves with a bit more cutting. The initial impression is of a medium body with a very short finish and a wispy smoke texture. Through the retro-hale, there is a noticeable presence of red pepper, accompanied by oak and dark pear on the palate. There are faint hints of pumpernickel bread and dark, peaty earth, adding to the complexity, although the body seems somewhat lacking at this stage.

As the cigar progresses into the first third, there is a shift in flavors. The body mellows to a mild to medium, and the red pepper spice transforms into mulling spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove—through the retrohale. The palate experiences minimal changes, with only slight traces of dark peaty earth and pumpernickel bread, and a continued lack of detectable sweetness.

Moving into the second third, the cigar gains some momentum. The body reaches a medium level, with a longer finish and a richer flavor profile. The mulling spices on the retrohale are now joined by a floral spice tone and oak, while the palate begins to pick up notes of chocolate brownie, introducing a welcome sweetness. This period marks the most enjoyable phase of the cigar, offering a balanced and complex experience with a more satisfying finish.

Unfortunately, the final third of the Pledge Prequel sees a decline in quality. The body intensifies to medium to full, but the flavors become less appealing. The retrohale now features black pepper, oak, and dark peaty earth, while the palate is dominated by a longer finish of dark peaty earth with no accompanying sweetness. This shift results in a somewhat disappointing conclusion to the smoking experience.

Overall, the E.P. Carrillo Pledge Prequel is a cigar with notable highs and lows. Its craftsmanship and initial flavors showcase its potential, but the inconsistency and less favorable final third leave something to be desired. While it may not be a top contender for cigar of the year, it offers moments of enjoyment that make it worth trying, particularly for those who appreciate a journey of evolving flavors in their smoking experience.